Workforce Development Plan for the Early Learning and Care (ELC), School-age Childcare (SAC) and Childminding Sector

First 5 commits to developing:

A Workforce Development Plan to ensure the appropriate number of early learning and care and school-age childcare staff at all levels in the sector. The Workforce Development Plan will support the achievement of the above targets [for a graduate-led workforce and for minimum qualifications for childminders and school-age childcare].

The Workforce Development Plan will also set out plans to raise the profile of careers in early learning and care and school-age childcare, establish a career framework and leadership development opportunities and will work towards building a more gender-balanced and diverse workforce. Consideration will also be given to broader early learning and care and school-age childcare workforce, including those in inspection, mentoring and training roles and support for those who facilitate practice placements.

In line with this commitment, a Steering Group was established in May 2019 to lead on this project, supported by a Stakeholder Group. The terms of reference for the project as well as a phase 1 report (May 2019-December 2020) are published here